136 Ukrainian Entrepreneurs Complete World Vision’s Business Scale-Up Programme

Over two months, 136 Ukrainian entrepreneurs, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), completed World Vision’s intensive business development programme, with selected participants set to receive conditional grants of up to US$2,000 to expand their enterprises. The initiative, implemented by World Vision under the REACH project in Kyiv and Dnipro, responds to a growing demand for structured financial support and practical business skills among small business owners navigating ongoing economic disruption. 

The programme combined targeted training, mentorship, and financial support to help entrepreneurs strengthen and scale their businesses. Participants engaged in structured modules covering entrepreneurship fundamentals, budgeting, customer relations, and operational management, supported by self-paced learning, peer exchange, and live coaching sessions. 

“IDPs and returnees really want to rebuild their lives and businesses, but they often lack access to capital, training, and support to get back on their feet. While emergency aid is still needed in the hardest-hit areas, we’re also seeing more demand in places like Kyiv and Dnipro for livelihood support that helps entrepreneurs recover and grow. It’s all about creating sustainable opportunities so communities can move forward,” — shares Yelyzaveta Mordan, Livelihood and Economic Recovery Advisor, World Vision. 

A defining feature of the initiative was its individualised approach. Through one-on-one mentoring, thematic group sessions, and applied assignments, participants refined their business strategies, formalised operations, identified new market opportunities, and improved risk management practices. 

The programme prioritised inclusion, with a focus on IDPs, women entrepreneurs, and persons with disabilities, particularly those with a lot of potential to create jobs and contribute to local economic recovery. 

A key gap identified at the outset was the limited capacity among entrepreneurs to structure and present their business models, especially in financial planning and documentation. By the end of the programme, participants demonstrated clear progress: many transitioned from intuition-based decision-making to structured financial planning, introduced cost optimisation measures, refined their target markets, and began integrating digital tools, including AI, into their operations. 

Participants also reported a shift in how they manage their businesses, moving from handling all operational tasks independently to adopting more strategic roles focused on growth, delegation, and team development. 

Beyond technical outcomes, the programme contributed to strengthening resilience among participants, offering a sense of structure, motivation, and peer support during a period of continued uncertainty. 

 “Learning was both engaging and empowering. The content was relevant and clearly presented, and it strengthened my confidence to apply new approaches in my business,” said Olena, an entrepreneur from Dnipro.  

Olena is a pediatric neurologist and psychologist and the founder of NEYRIKA Center in Dnipro. It is a correctional center where children from 0 to 18 years old receive psychological, neurological, and rehabilitation support. 

Following the training, participants submitted detailed business plans for evaluation by a multi-stakeholder committee. Those selected will receive conditional grants tied to specific milestones outlined in their proposals. 

“With this support, I will expand my advertising efforts and improve my operations, allowing me to reach new clients and strengthen my market position,” said Maksym, a programme participant from Dnipro.  

Since 2022, more than 1,500 people have taken part in World Vision’s financial literacy, business management, and employability trainings, with over US$357,000 distributed to support small business development across Ukraine.